How To Repair a Leaky Roof

Repairing a leaky roof before the problem escalates is paramount for keeping your home in good repair. A leak that is left unchecked can cause a lot of water damage, resulting in much bigger repair problems down the line. Before a leaky roof can cause damp, rot, or staining, there are some steps you can take to repair the problem. Here are some tips on what to do if you suspect or notice that your roof is leaking.

Inspect thoroughly

If you have an attic, check around the roof area for signs of water staining, or mold. If you cannot detect any areas where leaking has occurred, then a good way to find out where the leak is coming from is to run a hose along your roof. Make sure to hose the entire area of the roof, whilst someone inside the property looks for where the leaking spot is. That way, any leaking area of the roof can be easily detected.

Repair

Once you have detected where the leak is coming from, you can set about repairing. When you are on the roof, check for damaged, curled or missing shingles around the area that has been leaking. If there are any damaged shingles, remove and replace immediately. Make sure to scrape off any remnants of cement on the roof prior to placing down the new shingle, and then slide the new shingle into place. Use galvanized roofing nails to secure the shingle, and cover the nail heads with roof cement. If the old shingle is curled back upon itself rather than damaged, the use of a propane torch can soften the shingle edges back into place, saving the need to replace. Once the shingle is flattened out, spread a generous amount of roof cement around the edges of the shingle, to secure it back into place. If the shingle is merely blistered, it can be repaired by cutting through the middle of the blister with a utility knife. Be steady and gentle, making sure you do not cut through the roofing felt underneath. Make sure to
soak up any water that is inside the blister, and then spread a generous amount of roofing cement under the loose felt area, and then press down into place. Finish the job by nailing down the corners with galvanized roofing nails, and then covering the nails with roofing cement.

Test

Once the leak area has been repaired, ensure it is no longer leaking by once again running the hose over the area. Check that no water droplets are penetrating through the shingles. If the area is still leaking then you will need to repeat the process, or alternatively, consider hiring a specialized company to carry out the repair.

The best way to prevent problems such as a leaky roof is to ensure your home remains in good repair by scheduling regular checks. Regular checks will help detect any problem areas early on, so that they can be repaired before any serious problems or damage occurs. Hiring a specialized home inspections company to carry out checks for you will result in a thorough check, making problem detection and repair easier. House inspection companies will also have access to specialized equipment, and can offer services such as thermal imaging inspections, which can detect problems such as structural issues, overloaded electrical circuits, and missing insulation.

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